Covid-19 update: guidance refresh 

FODO Ireland and the Association of Optometrists Ireland (AOI) COVID-19 - updated guidance 

FODO Ireland and the AOI have today published an updated COVID-19 framework for primary eye care providers to help you complete your COVID-19 response plan. 

We have created the guide to help you to: 

• Assess and mitigate COVID-19 risks in practice 

• Work through applicable COVID-19 guidance and advice from the HSA, HSE and HPSC

• Plan for variations in infection rates. 

It includes practical measures you can take to prepare for change using a ‘4Ps’ matrix framework to help you to keep patients, staff and visitors safe. 

It also brings together guidance on return to work questions, other screening questions, a summary of cleaning advice and PPE in primary care settings. 

The guidance has been updated to reflect updated clinical guidance that non-contact can now be used as it is no longer regarded as an aerosol generating procedure (AGP). 

We will continue to engage and work with sector partners to keep this framework up-to-date.               

Download the framework

If we can help in any way, please email us ireland@fodo.com or call us on 0044 20 7298 5151.     

Draft Programme for Government 

We are analysing the Draft Programme for Government produced by Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and the Green Party leaderships, which is out for consultation with party members. There is a clear commitment in the programme to expand primary and community care – making the vast majority of healthcare services available in the home or close to home, rather than in our hospitals’ including, ‘Supporting the expansion of community ophthalmology and the wider adoption of the Sligo pilot model’. 

Further details to follow. 

Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme – update 

Revenue has implemented a change to the Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme (TWSS) to accommodate employees returning to work following a period of parental, adoptive or related unpaid leave, or having been in receipt of certain benefits paid by the DEASP for February 2020. Full details here.

If you have any questions or know anyone who would like to receive this newsletter, please contact us at ireland@fodo.com